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Over the last few months, the London Free Press has published multiple articles on the subject of youth employment in London. The general narrative has suggested that the city is on the verge of losing them as many are looking elsewhere for work and to make an impact.

As a young person, to me the general tone seems extremely depressing but also presents a glimmer of hope, with many of these articles and columns suggesting the need for a new unified strategy to keep young people in London.

Although it is true that for young people in London today, especially in the “creative economy,” it is not easy to find jobs, this is not something unique to London. These issues are present in many cities throughout southern Ontario and across Canada.

There are many young people who want to live in London, work here, and make their impact here; for all the talk of young people being less inclined to stay here and leave the city, this may only be a small percentage of young people in London.

Specifically, we can turn to the 2011 Census data for answers looking at the percentage of the population between the ages of 20-29 and 20-34 in cities across Ontario. This data tells a very different story than what’s been stated by the media.

The Census Metropolitan Area of Kitchener-Waterloo had 14.5% of its population between the ages of 20-29 and 21.4% between 20-34. Hamilton, for the age range 20-29 had 12.7% while between 20-34 it was 18.6%. In Toronto, where it would seem most likely for young people to relocate to, 15.1% of the population was between the ages of 20-29 and 22.8% were between the ages of 20-34.

With some comparisons in mind let’s now take a look at London. London had by a small amount, the highest percentage of people aged 20-29 at 15.2%, and only 1% less than Toronto in the age range of 20-34 at 21.8%.

Is the situation as bad as it has been portrayed? Maybe not, but at the same time, we do not want these numbers to shrink.

We have to capitalize on this moment and opportunity to return London to a beacon of prosperity for the region. London is in a fortunate situation now, where young people want to stay here and seem to be committed to that.

That commitment cannot remain forever, as young people want to find work and beginnings of careers.

If opportunities do not become available for young Londoners, then we might truly find ourselves in a situation which could damage the future of our city.